NORMAN "RED" MARCY

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BOBBY MARCY

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"PARKER HOME BAKERY"

Norman "Red" & Mary Marcy

Whenever I run into friends from Parker, we always seem to just reminisce and reflect on the past. Recently a few of us were recalling the different school chums whose families owned their own businesses in Parker, i.e., Parker Theatre, Branding Iron Cafe, Haile's Barber Shop, Johnson's Western Wear, Norris' Market, to name a few.

On my way home, I began to think of these people, where are they now, what was it like for them in Parker back then? I set out to find them. One that immediatel...

Ava Miller

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Mrs. Ava Miller - PHS Custodian 1956-1969

Mrs. Ava Miller (Aunt Kinnie)

As I dialed her number I couldn’t help but wonder, will she even remember my family? Will she remember me? Then that familiar cheerful voice greeted me, “Hellooo!” I quickly replied, slightly stuttering, “Mrs. Miller, I don’t know if you remember me but, I use to live in Parker, my name is Dina Saucedo, now Dover.” She asked, “Is this you, Enedina?” What an amazing lady, not only did she remember my birth name but, she remembered my who...

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Things to know about 'Dina'

Dina reflects back on those who were an important makeup of Parker High

Dina Dover (Saucedo)

I was born in El Paso, TX. moved to Parker when I was five years old. At that time there were only 8 of us. Dora, Elvira, Gus, Yolanda, Irma, myself, Sally and Edward. We arrived in October, my first year for school. I remember very clearly mom telling me that I could not go to kindergarten because school would soon be over and that I might as well wait until next year. I remember bein...

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Dina, you write wonderfully and I always remembered you to be veryhappy person.....Also remember you babysitting us....I think most ofwere poor but didn't really know it......Keep up the good work....I look forward to reading more............Maggie Alcaida (Class of 68)

I remember Gus playing basketball at Parker High, and Yolie was in my class of '62. After leaving Parker for the U of A, I never saw either one of them again. Live moves on, but the good memories remain.

Froggie, thank you for your comment. You might know, but we lost Gus to cancer over six years ago. He knew he was dying, yet he was so gallant in his quest, never complained, never felt sorry for himself, instead he did what Gus always did, he lived each day like it was his last day. It was hard keeping up with him, ha,ha, Yeah, he had some spunk, that brother of mine. Let the memories live on. Dina

Oh, Joe, Yolie remembers you dearly. We all do, what a kind friendly person you were, please by all means e-mail me at danaedover at aol.com Yolie has no e-mail, but would like to hear how life has been for you. I know that I was just a kid to you, but I remember you and working with the Millers. Just ask me, I know everything...Does that mean I'm nosey???Take care and thank you for your comment.

Where Are They Now? - Coach Thurman Simmons

COACH THURMAN SIMMONS

I was scheduled to meet with him to talk about his triumphs and disappointments in life. When I finally caught up with him, nothing went as planned per the interview.

I showed up at his house, in Northwest Phoenix, February 12, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. He met me at his front door, with the enthusiastic greeting, “Hi Dina, come on in.” I had not seen Mr. Thurman Simmons since June 1966, yet there he stood, just like I remember him, cool, calm, confident, just as down to earth as ever. What a reli...

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I had the pleasure of playing football for Coach Simmons from 1986 through 1988 at Carl Hayden H.S. in Phoenix. After he retired, he helped coach Seton Catholic High School for one year and I was able to volunteer as an asistant coach. I credit Coach Simmons with many of the "How to be a Good Man" traits I posses today. He taught more than sports. He taught Integrity, Honesty, Loyalty, Dedication, Persaverance and Pride. I feel lucky to have shared those years with him. I owe him a debt of gratitude like I'm sure many feel.

Mar24alvin alexander sr. I coeatctnd Marsha about sending information on Lake Parker Park useage for a group day from the J.C.Penney Employees. We need full details, such as non-cost v/s cost of park useage. Games,activities,time alotment, and other rules as needed. Thanks Alvin Alexander Sr. J.C. Penney Maint.

Mar24alvin alexander sr. I coeatctnd Marsha about sending information on Lake Parker Park useage for a group day from the J.C.Penney Employees. We need full details, such as non-cost v/s cost of park useage. Games,activities,time alotment, and other rules as needed. Thanks Alvin Alexander Sr. J.C. Penney Maint.

Mar24alvin alexander sr. I coeatctnd Marsha about sending information on Lake Parker Park useage for a group day from the J.C.Penney Employees. We need full details, such as non-cost v/s cost of park useage. Games,activities,time alotment, and other rules as needed. Thanks Alvin Alexander Sr. J.C. Penney Maint.

I had the priviledge of knowing the Simmons family in Holbrook. I started High School the year Thurman left for Tolleson. I was very fortunate to play for Pete Blake who took Thurmans place. I had the opportunity to be in the Simmons home on many occassions, Thom, Kay an I were very good friends... they are some of the finest people I have ever met. Thurman had a strong influence on my life as a young man and that influence and example continued through Pete. Thanks coach Simmons for being a great man, a great mentor and good friend to my family.

Thank you Dina for taking the time to do this. I had no idea this was even on here. I was just strolling through the alumni website and clicked on the reflections. Wow! Nice job!
Coach Simmons, Carolyn and the rest of the Simmons family are near and deal to my heart and have been a huge part of my life. The acknowledgements here are greatly deserved!

I wish to commend Dina for writing such a fine article on Mr. Simmons. I attended Parker High School (PHS) 1963-1967. During my freshman year Mr. Simmons was my JV basketball coach and during my senior year Mr. Simmons was my varsity football coach. I lived on the Colorado River Indian Reservation during the time I attended PHS and my home was 26 miles from the high school. I remember that in order to go out for the varsity football team, I had to attend pre-season practice at PHS by catching the bus near my home on the Reservation. Since I lived the farthest from PHS, I was the 1st to get on the bus and I recall as I waited for my 1st bus trip, that I was surprised that the bus driver was none other than Mr. Simmons. Under the tutelage of Mr. Simmons, I was able to make the varsity football team and become a starter on the defensive unit. Dina’s article states that Mr. Simmons gives credit to the players at PHS for his coaching success, but I wish to state for the record that it is the players (at PHS who played for Mr. Simmons) who should give the credit to Mr. Simmons for giving them initial experience at succeeding in life beyond high school!

I was priviledged to have played for Coach Simmons, in 1987 at Carl Hayden High School. He was very firm, but fair. Coach Simmons was a major influence in my life with my choice to coach football. I have been coaching football from 1999-to present (2011) instilling all the like skills taught to me by this man of great character. I got to speak to Coach Simmons in 2004 at a nfl coaches clinic, that moment continues to be a highlight of my coaching career. I googled him to day because i thought about him as some one i wanted to model as i am currently challenged with coachiing the jv program at Independence High School in Glendale AZ. a program in a similar state as Carl Hayden was in when he took the challenge to bulid us into a team. Today I apprecitate the hard work and dedication Coach Simmmons gave to us. and could never express my gratitude more.